Love Longed For, Love Found 4

Love Longed For, Love Found

Part 4

Posted: January 25, 2008
Title: Love Longed For, Love Found
Author: Tena

*****

A year later…

Mithrellas had enjoyed her lessons with Erestor and had begun helping out in the library. Once she had a good grasp on the elven language, Sindarin, Erestor had slowly taught her some Quenya. This she found more difficult, but Erestor had been very proud of her persistence.

Gildor was on patrol with Glorfindel and with both warriors gone; the Last Homely House was quieter than normal. Mithrellas was sitting quietly while Erestor finished some work for Elrond. She was lost in thought when Erestor called her name.

“Mithrellas, where were you just now?”

She took a deep breath. “I was wondering if we could change the lesson for today.”

“I suppose we could,” he grimaced and Mithrellas grinned, knowing that upsetting his well thought out lesson plan would upset him. “What would you like to do?”

“Could I ask you some questions?” She asked, and he nodded. Mithrellas sat back in her chair. “What can you tell me about King Thranduil and Prince Legolas?”

Erestor chuckled. “I was wondering when this question would come up,” he sat across the table from Mithrellas and moved the books and papers away. “What do you want to know?”

“Is he a good king?”

Erestor nodded before he spoke. “He is a very good king. He is noble, strong, courageous, intelligent and loyal. He is stubborn to a fault at times, deadly in battle, but he is fiercely protective and proud of his land, his people and his son.”

Mithrellas leaned forward, looking intently at Erestor. “But, is he a good elf? If he were not a king, is he someone you would call your friend, someone you would be proud to call your friend?”

“He is and I am. Whether Thranduil is in his official role as King of Mirkwood, or if he is just an ellon sharing a drink with others, he is a good elf. He is warm, kind, and caring. He gives advice freely when asked and…sometimes even when he is not asked,” he chuckled. “He has a warm smile that puts others at ease, and he has a wicked sense of humor. He gets great joy in making others laugh. I should know; I have been on the receiving end of many of his pranks. And, he is a great listener and gives great comfort to those in need by his presence alone.”

Mithrellas stared at Erestor for a moment and then whispered. “Sounds perfect,” she sighed. “So, why would my mother leave someone so perfect, and giving him the benefit of the doubt, why did he let her? Especially if he knew she was carrying his child.”

“I am afraid only Thranduil can give you those answers; but I know Thranduil probably better than anyone else here, Mithrellas, and I can say with great confidence that I truly do not think Thranduil knew your mother was pregnant. I do not think he would have ever let her leave if he had known, no matter the state of their relationship. Family is very important to him. He adores Legolas.”

“So, why does he hate Gildor?”

Erestor took a deep breath. “Where to start?” He thought for a moment. “All right, you remember our lesson about elves. From the Eldar came…”

Mithrellas finished his thought. “Three groups of elves, the Vanyar, the Noldor and the Teleri. From the Teleri can the Falmari, the Sindar, the Nandor and the Silvan elves.”

“Ah, you were paying attention,” he grinned.

“I have heard every word you have ever said to me, Erestor.” Mithrellas smirked.

“Yes, well, Thranduil is Teleri, Sindar to be specific and…”

Mithrellas held up her hand to stop him. “And, Feanor and his followers attacked the Haven of the Swans, Alqualonde, killing many, mostly Teleri,” he nodded solemnly. “It was so long ago though, Erestor. Gildor has lived through so much. He has fought for Middle Earth and all who live here. He has fought for that which Thranduil holds dear. He gives and gives, asking for nothing in return. He does all of this knowing he may never be allowed in the Blessed Land. He could easily have turned bitter and angry, caring for no one. I know he was involved in something horrific, and I am not trying to make light of it in any way, but does the way he has lived his life since then count for nothing?”

Erestor reached to take her hand. “I hope Gildor knows what a champion he has in you. I am not the one who needs convincing, pen neth, but if anyone can convince Thranduil of Gildor’s worth, I would say you are the one to do it.”

“I am hoping I won’t need too.”

“What else would you like to know?”

“What can you tell me of Legolas?”

“He is beautiful, strong, brave, and a fierce warrior. Even at his young age, there is no better archer in all of Middle Earth. Legolas is kind, and warm, friendly and quick witted. He and the twins get into a lot of trouble together,” Erestor laughed. “Elrond seems to think you favor Legolas more than Thranduil, but I think it’s the other way around.”

“Why do you say that?”

“You have Thranduil’s eyes; cheek bones and the color of your skin and hair are identical. You also have the shape of Thranduil’s mouth. Your nose is different, so that must be from your mother. Legolas has Thranduil’s nose, but his mouth is just like his mothers. His lips are not as full as Thranduil’s or yours.”

Mithrellas put her head down. “They sound so wonderful. How could I not like them?”

~*~*~*~*~*~*

“YES!” Mithrellas shouted as Gildor put the silver ring on her finger. “Oh Gildor, I would be honored to be your wife.”

A few months later, forgoing the traditional year of betrothal, Gildor took Mithrellas as his wife, and all of Imladris celebrated. Never were two elves more happy that Gildor Inglorion and his Mithrellas.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Two years later…

Imladris was bustling with activity for the Fall Festival. Artisan, peddlers, and entertainers all gathered for the celebration. The Lothlorien contingent had arrived and Mithrellas had enjoyed meeting Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn. She was unnerved by the way Haldir stared at her all the time, and finally confronted him.

“Why do you stare at me, Marchwarden?”

Haldir was surprised by her tone, but then he realized he shouldn’t be, considering who her father was. “I am sorry, my lady. It is just you really do look like my lover.”

Mithrellas gawked at him. “Excuse me?”

“Let me explain. Legolas, he is my lover. We have been together for the last fifteen years.”

Mithrellas relaxed a little. “Oh, I see. I should not have said anything,” she turned to leave.

“Wait, please. Do not go. I am sorry for staring. It is just…”

“I know; that is what everyone has been telling me. I have not even met the king or the prince, but everyone else seems to know. I am afraid someone will tell them before I can meet them.”

“Legolas never told me had a sister.”

“He does not know and neither does Thranduil,” she said she watched Haldir’s confusion grow. “It is a very long story, I am afraid.” He led her to a bench and there she laid out her tale to him. “So, you see it is a rather strange situation and I have no idea how they will react, or for that matter, how I will react. Please do not tell them if you see them first.”

Haldir smiled. “They are due here in three days; I have been asked by my lady to meet Elladan and Elrohir’s patrol in two days. I do not think I will be back until after the Mirkwood party arrives,” he assured her. “I think you will like them. I am sure they will like you.” Mithrellas felt strangely reassured by his smile.

Mithrellas had been a nervous wreck in the few days leading up to this moment. Mirkwood had arrived and she and Gildor were walking from their room to meet them in the courtyard. Mithrellas suddenly stopped and griped Gildor’s hand tightly. “I can’t. Gildor, I am sorry, but I cannot do this,” she trembled visibly. “I know what we discussed and planned, but I just cannot do this now, out there, in front of everyone. I am afraid of their reaction and quite frankly, I am afraid of my reaction. Please, I cannot.”

Gildor held her closely. “It is all right, my heart. I understand. Everyone will understand. I’ll tell you what. Why don’t you wait in the library? I do not want you waiting in our rooms alone. Mel is in library. He can keep you company and calm. I will come and get you as soon as I can get free. We will decide how to proceed later.” Gildor kissed her lips, trying to reassure her.

“That is a good plan. Thank you, my love.” They walked to the library door and kissed before Gildor continued out of the house.

Mithrellas was reading some poetry waiting for Gildor. She had not expected it to take this long, but Mel assured her that by the time everyone was greeted, escorted to their rooms, their belongings delivered and made comfortable, it could take a good amount of time. Mel had excused himself to get some tea and when Mithrellas heard the door open, she assumed it was Gildor, so she stood to put her book back on the shelf.

Thranduil had been unable to rest, being over tired from the journey, and decided to get a book to read and calm himself. He entered the library and walked to where he thought he remembered Elrond’s prized poetry section to be. He turned the corner to the aisle of poetry and froze in his tracks.

Mithrellas knew instantly that it was not Gildor, and she hesitantly turned to see who was standing there. She gasped at seeing him staring back at her. She began to tremble.

Thranduil began to tremble as well, his eyes were wide and his lips quivered. “Faelivrin…” he whispered.

*****

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